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Buyer's guide

Look out for medlars in farmers’ markets or gardens at the end of November. Choose undamaged fruit.

Storage

Medlars can be stored in the fridge for a few days.

Preparation

Once the medlar has been bletted it can be eaten raw, but it is an acquired taste. Mix its pulp with sugar and cream or eat plain, accompanied by port. Medlar fruit makes good fruit or jelly. Chop whole, bletted fruit and stew before straining and making in the usual way. Traditionally, medlars are also turned into a ‘curd’ style of fruit cheese, where the strained pulp is cooked like lemon curd with eggs, butter and sugar.